Transbronchial Cryoablation As Local Treatment for Central Airway Malignant Tumor

INTRODUCTION:Transbronchial cryoablation has been performed for peripheral but not central airway malignant tumor. We demonstrate transbronchial cryoablation in 2 patients with central airway lesions. CASE PRESENTATION:Case 1 was an 86-year-old woman who developed intratracheal metastasis associated with postoperative recurrence of lung adenocarcinoma. The tumor was resected using a high-frequency electrosurgical snare and three transbronchial cryoablations. There was no tracheal recurrence in the 5 months after the third procedure. Case 2 was an 83-year-old man who developed intermediate bronchial metastasis associated with postoperative recurrence of lung squamous cell carcinoma. The tumor was resected using a high-frequency electrosurgical snare and one transbronchial cryoablation. There was no tumor recurrence in the bronchus intermedius for 12 months after treatment. In both cases, the only adverse event was minor bleeding. CONCLUSION:Transbronchial cryoablation deserves consideration as local treatment for central airway malignant tumors.